Exploitation

Abstract

The paper argues that: Exploitation is not by definition unjust or morally wrong. It tries to develop an account which explains what exploitation is and identifies the moral belief we hold that makes us regard exploitation as typically wrong or morally bad. To exploit a person (or her abilities, labor, etc.) is to make use of her or her capacities by taking advantage of a vulnerability. We think that it is shameful to do this and degrading to have it done to you. The paper applies this account to the exploitation in cases of wage labor and surrogate motherhood.